Serological tests
HIV positive or negative? We all know these words, often related to AIDS, yet there are several infections that can be detected by serology. But how does it work? The detection of antibodies and antigens information on our immune status ....
What is serology?
Serology is an examination of the blood serum. It is to detect and investigate antibodies to a specific disease present in the serum, while reflecting the immunity of the individual. The study of these antibodies is an indication of the presence of a pathogen in the body. These are antibodies that correspond to specific antigens. These antibodies are called immunoglobulins.
When effect of serology?
Serology is performed mainly for
screening,
diagnosis (an autoimmune disease, for example),
follow the evolution of a disease,
assessing the efficacy of vaccination.
However, serology can be performed for certain infectious diseases.
The main immunoglobulins involved in the immune response are the immunoglobulin G (IgG), lesimmunoglobulines A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). The presence of IgG usually means an old infection. Active infection is usually shown by the existence of IgM.
Different serological
|
The techniques used
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Viral serology
| |
Serology for hepatitis A
|
search for anti-HAV antibodies (IgM and IgG)
|
Serology for hepatitis B
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search for anti-HBV antibody
Mark of HBs antigen
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Serology for hepatitis C
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search for anti-HCV antibodies
|
Serology for HIV / AIDS
|
search for anti-HIV antibodies
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Bacterial serology
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Serology of infectious mononucleosis
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search for anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody of the IgM type.
Search for antibodies to specific antigens IgG-VCA IgG-EBNA IgG-EA
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Serology of salmonellosis (typhoid fever)
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Testing Widal and Felix: search for antibodies to Type O and Type H
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The syphilis serology
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TPHA or Treponema pallidum haemagglutination Assay: evidence of antibodies against Treponema
VDRL or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory: demonstration of antibodies anticardiolipidiques
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The rubella serology
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Search antibody IgM, IgA but also IgG
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Parasite serology
| |
Serology for toxoplasmosis
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IgM antibodies
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the result
When serology is positive, it is called an HIV-positive person to infection. Otherwise, it is called a negative person.
Seropositivity means the presence of specific antibodies to an infectious disease in the blood. This antibody may reflect a former contact with the pathogen but may also sign the existence of a progressive disease.
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